While someone out there may enjoy cold showers, most people look forward to the warm water hitting their backs. It is one small delight that almost everyone enjoys at some point in their day. This is why discovering that small joy is gone can be devastating. No one expects to run out of hot water, but when it happens, it is usually highly uncomfortable. You can stop that from occurring in your home by keeping up with water heater maintenance and scheduling water heater repair at the first sign of trouble.
What many people don’t realize is that there are usually signs that they need water heater repair. Learning to recognize those signs and then respond appropriately is the best way to make sure you never have to take a cold shower unless it is by choice. As the common saying goes, a teaspoon of prevention is the best way to protect the hot water in your home. To help with this, we have compiled a list of the top signs you need to book water heater repair in your home.
This is also a good time to remind readers that you can schedule a yearly water heater service. A lot of people don’t realize that they can have their water heaters serviced once a year, but this is actually the best way to protect your investment and keep it running for years to come. Water heaters are expensive appliances, so if one simple maintenance visit can lower your utility bills and lengthen the unit’s lifespan, it may be time to take a second look. This one water heater repair and service actually has a lot of benefits to itself.
That said, even with proper servicing, sometimes a component breaks or an inlet valve starts to leak. Both of these are situations that require water heater repair, and like most things, the quicker you make the repair, the less severe the fallout. If you want to keep your water heater working seamlessly, then the smart move is to get ahead of any problems. Take a quick look at the following list, and if you notice any of these things happening in your house then it is time to get on the phone with a plumber to find the solution.
Hot Water Supply Is Inconsistent
One of the first tip-offs that there is something wrong with your water heater is if you notice that your hot water is inconsistent. Most people notice this while washing dishes or taking a shower. Some days you may be able to take a shower for ten minutes comfortably and have no issues with the hot water, and other days it might feel as if you are racing the clock to get out before your hot water supply runs out. This is usually a sign that you need water heater repair because there is a good chance that your heating element is getting covered by sediment.
When this happens, the water heats unevenly in your water tank. That means that sometimes you will get access to hot water, and sometimes you will get cold water. One time can be a fluke, but if this continues to happen, it is now a pattern and something that needs to be fixed. Keep in mind that it is not just uncomfortable but also probably impeding the other appliances in your home, like the dishwasher and washing machine, from doing their jobs properly.
Temperature of Hot Water Changes
Another similar issue is if you notice the actual temperature of your hot water seems to change on a daily basis. If you find yourself forced to crank up the shower dial to get the same level of hot water during a shower or bath, then this is a sign your water is not evenly heating. Water temperature should be consistent every single time you use it, and if it is not, then you need to have a plumber out to your home for water heater repair. This is not something you should just put up with because it is a sign that, eventually, you will have no hot water in your home.
Leaks Near Your Water Heater Tank
Another huge problem that automatically requires attention is leaks that form near your water heater tank. There is never a good reason to have a leak near your water heater, so any sign of a leak demands immediate attention. In some situations, this can be a sign that something is wrong with your inlet valve. This can be a quick repair, but is one that should be done by a plumber. Other times it can be a sign of a leak, especially if there are signs of corrosion near your water heater. In either case, you need to call for water heater repair right away to prevent water damage if you notice this problem.
Rusty Colored Hot Water
Speaking of rust, if you see rust on the outside of your tank, there is a good chance there is rust on the inside of your tank as well. Most frequently people discover this when they notice that the water coming out of their hot water tap is a bit discolored. Rusty water is not only unhealthy to bathe in or wash your clothing in, it also can be a sign that your water heater is going to spring a leak and explode all over your basement. Therefore, you should take quick action and get a water heater repair right away.
Are you worried your water heater is not performing as it should be? Contact Covenant Plumbing today to schedule a visit.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
